Papua New Guinea just pulled the plug on a massive internet deal with Google that was supposed to connect the entire country. The government cancelled the billion-dollar project after months of controversy and public backlash.
The deal promised to bring high-speed internet to remote islands and villages across Papua New Guinea using Google’s technology. But critics worried the country was giving away too much control to the tech giant in exchange for the connectivity.
The Backlash Was Brewing
From the start, local politicians and activists questioned whether Papua New Guinea was getting a fair deal. They argued Google would gain too much access to the country’s data and digital infrastructure. Opposition grew as details emerged about what Google would control in exchange for building the network.
The government initially defended the partnership, saying it was the fastest way to bring internet access to millions of people living in remote areas. Papua New Guinea has some of the worst internet connectivity in the world, with many communities completely cut off from digital services.
But mounting pressure from lawmakers and digital rights groups eventually forced officials to reconsider. The final straw came when transparency advocates demanded to see the full contract terms, which had been kept largely secret.
What Happens Next
Papua New Guinea is now back to square one on solving its internet problem. The government says it will look for alternative ways to expand connectivity, possibly through partnerships with multiple companies instead of one big deal with Google. Meanwhile, millions of people in remote areas will keep waiting for reliable internet access.